Empowering Sustainability: Exploring Fashion's Buy-Back Revolution
Fashion Brands with Resell / Buy-Back Programs
In recent years, the fashion industry has come under growing scrutiny for its environmental impact. From the production of textiles to the disposal of clothing, the industry has a significant carbon footprint. However, several forward-thinking brands have recognized the need for change and have implemented buy-back programs as part of their sustainability initiatives. These programs allow customers to return their used clothing in exchange for store credit or other incentives. In this blog, we will explore the buy-back programs offered by some of the top brands in the industry and the positive impact they are making on the environment.
Allbirds ReRun: Allbirds, a brand recognized for its sustainable footwear, has introduced the Allbirds ReRun program. Customers can return their worn-out Allbirds shoes to participating stores, and Allbirds will ensure they are recycled responsibly. In return, customers receive a discount on their next pair of Allbirds shoes. By taking responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, Allbirds promotes a more sustainable approach to footwear. To explore Allbirds' ReRun program, visit their website here.
Arc'teryx ReGEAR: Arc'teryx, a brand known for its high-performance outdoor gear, has implemented the Rock Solid program. Customers can return their used Arc'teryx products to participating stores and receive a gift card in return. The returned items are then refurbished and resold as part of the ReGEAR collection. Arc'teryx's commitment to durability and circularity ensures their products have a longer lifespan. To learn more about Arc'teryx's ReGEAR program, visit their website here.
Athleta Preloved: Customers can convert their clothing items into Athleta shopping credit through collaborative efforts with thredUP. This streamlined process makes it easy for people to give their high-quality, preloved clothes a second chance at life, aligning with the goal of keeping wearable garments in use and out of landfills. By activating the thredUP Clean Out Kit or printing a free shipping label, individuals can fill any box with gently used women’s and kids’ items from any brand and send it to thredUP via USPS or FedEx. Earned Athleta credit for eligible items sold within the listing window can be checked on the payout timeline. This seamless approach provides individuals with a sustainable way to refresh their wardrobe and contribute to a circular fashion model. To learn more about Athleta's Preloved program, visit their website here.
Carhartt Reworked: Carhartt, a brand known for its durable workwear, has introduced the Reworked program to promote sustainability. Customers can return their used Carhartt items to participating stores and receive a discount on their next purchase. The returned items are then refurbished and resold as part of the Reworked collection. By extending the life of their products, Carhartt reduces waste and encourages a more sustainable approach to workwear. To learn more about Carhartt's Reworked program, visit their website here.
Eileen Fisher Renew: Eileen Fisher, a brand known for its timeless and sustainable designs, offers the Renew program. Customers can bring back their Eileen Fisher garments, regardless of their condition, and receive a gift card in return. The returned items are then sorted and either resold as part of the Renew collection or recycled into new garments. Eileen Fisher's commitment to circularity and reducing waste is evident through its Renew program. To learn more about Eileen Fisher's Renew program, visit their website here.
Hanna Andersson Hanna-Me-Downs Program: Hanna Andersson, a brand specializing in children's clothing, offers a unique buy-back program called Hanna-Me-Downs. This program allows customers to return their outgrown Hanna Andersson clothing and receive a store credit. The returned items are then cleaned, repaired if necessary, and resold as part of the Hanna-Me-Downs collection. By promoting the reuse of children's clothing, Hanna Andersson reduces waste and supports sustainable fashion for kids. To explore Hanna Andersson's Hanna-Me-Downs program, visit their website here.
Levi's SecondHand: Levi's, a legendary denim brand, has introduced a buy-back program to encourage circularity in the fashion industry. Through their SecondHand program, customers can bring back their used Levi's clothing to participating stores and receive a gift card in return. The returned items are then sorted, cleaned, repaired if necessary, and resold as part of the SecondHand collection. Levi's commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainable fashion is evident through their SecondHand program. To explore Levi's SecondHand program, visit their website here.
Lululemon Like New: Lululemon, a popular athletic apparel brand, has also joined the sustainable fashion movement with its buy-back program. Customers can bring back their gently used Lululemon items to participating stores and receive a gift card in return. Lululemon then resells these items as part of their Like New collection. By giving their products a second life, Lululemon aims to reduce waste and promote circularity. To explore Lululemon's buy-back program, visit their website here.
Madewell Forever: Madewell, a brand known for its timeless and quality clothing, has implemented the Madewell Forever program. Customers can bring back their used Madewell jeans to participating stores and receive a discount on a new pair. The returned jeans are then upcycled into new denim products or recycled into insulation for housing projects. Madewell's commitment to sustainability and circularity is evident through their Madewell Forever program. To learn more about Madewell's buy-back program, visit their website here.
Onward by On: Onward by On, a sustainable fashion brand, offers a buy-back program to promote circularity. Customers can return their used Onward by On clothing to participating stores and receive a discount on their next purchase. The returned items are then upcycled or recycled into new garments. Onward by On's commitment to sustainability is evident through its buy-back program. To explore Onward by On's buy-back program, visit their website here.
Patagonia Worn Wear: Patagonia, a well-known outdoor clothing brand, has long been a champion of sustainability. Their Worn Wear program encourages customers to bring back their used Patagonia clothing in exchange for store credit. The returned items are then refurbished and sold as part of the Worn Wear collection. By extending the life of their products, Patagonia reduces waste and promotes a culture of reuse. To learn more about Patagonia's Worn Wear program, visit their website here.
Reformation Ref Recycling: Participating in Reformation's Ref Recycling program is a hassle-free way for customers to recycle their beloved items. Customers can conveniently drop off their items at any domestic retail location or initiate a recycling request on the Reformation website. The process involves selecting the Ref products they wish to recycle, including shoes, bags, sweaters, tees, outerwear, active, or denim. Customers can then print a complimentary shipping label or choose the "in-store" drop-off option, subsequently leaving cleaned items at any USPS location or Reformation store. The result? Enjoying well-deserved Ref credit to enhance their sustainable fashion journey. To explore Reformation's buy-back program, visit their website here.
REI Used Gear: REI, a renowned outdoor retailer, has implemented a buy-back program to encourage its customers to reduce waste. Through their Used Gear program, customers can sell their gently used outdoor gear and clothing to REI in exchange for store credit. The items are then resold at discounted prices, making outdoor gear more accessible to a broader audience. By extending the life of outdoor gear, REI promotes sustainability within the outdoor industry. To explore REI's Used Gear program, visit their website here.
The North Face XPLR Pass: The North Face unveils the Renewed Take-Back program, inviting customers to breathe new life into their old gear. XPLR Pass members receive a $10 credit as a token of appreciation. Committed to a circular ecosystem, The North Face starts with takebacks, encouraging customers to bring used gear to stores. Repairable items are resold, while unrepairable gear is responsibly recycled. XPLR Pass membership offers a credit incentive. To learn more about The North Face's buy-back program, visit their website here.
In conclusion, the fashion industry is experiencing a gradual shift towards more sustainable practices, with buy-back programs emerging as a pivotal strategy for brands aiming to reduce waste and champion circularity. The brands highlighted in this article have demonstrated significant commitment to creating a sustainable future. By actively encouraging customers to return used items, these brands are not only diminishing waste but also cultivating a culture of reuse and advocating for conscious consumerism. It's essential to note that these programs may evolve, given the dynamic nature of the industry. As consumers, individuals possess the influential ability to support these initiatives, thereby contributing to the advancement of a more sustainable fashion landscape. Embracing these buy-back programs allows everyone to collectively make a positive impact on the environment, fostering change one garment at a time.